Albany begins the week with anticipation of two significant releases by advisory panels created by Gov. Andrew Cuomo: The initial report from the Moreland panel on public corruption could be out as early as Monday, while the report from a tax-relief commission chaired by former Gov. George Pataki and former Comptroller Carl McCall is expected later in the week.

But there will be more on the program for state government:

TUESDAY

• A hearing of the Assembly's Committee on Racing and Wagering looks at the impact of horse racing on the state economy. Don't be surprised to hear talk about what the imminent expansion of casino gaming might mean to racing's future. It starts at noon in the Roosevelt Hearing Room of the Legislative Office Building.

• The Assembly's transportation committee looks at the state budget's impact in upstate public transit systems in a hearing at 11 a.m. in the Legislative Office Building's Hamilton Hearing Room.

SATURDAY

• If the weather is kinder this week, the Empire State Plaza ice rink will open at 11 a.m. with free opening-day skate rentals sponsored by Hannaford Supermarkets.

SUNDAY

• Just a short distance north of the rink, the Capitol's holiday tree will be lit at 5:15 p.m. as the climax of an afternoon of family activities, music and fireworks. Events run from 3 to 8 a.m. on the Plaza.